THE father of Lancashire cricket star James Anderson has urged the game's governing body to make a decision about England's World Cup match in Zimbabwe - and not leave it up to the players.

There are still doubts about whether England's first game of the tournament against Zimbabwe will go ahead, because of misgivings over the country's political regime.

Anderson's dad Michael is delighted his son is in the World Cup squad.

But he does not believe it is fair his son and the rest of the England players could be forced to make their own decision about whether to play in Harare on February 13, if the ECB does not act soon.

Michael said: "It's a very difficult situation, especially for someone so young, playing on such a big stage.

'Difficult situation'

"They must obviously think a lot of James to include him, with the Zimbabwe situation as it is.

"I would say James would go no matter what, like I think most of the other players would, but I don't think it's a decision individual players should have to make.

"They are cricketers, not politicians."

Anderson's inclusion in the 15-man squad climaxes a meteoric rise to fame. This time last year, the 20-year-old pace bowler from Burnley was virtually unheard of. But he was quick to make his mark for Lancashire at Old Trafford, and last month was called up by England for the one-day series against Sri Lanka.

Michael admits he is both astonished and proud at his son's rapid development, but is confident he will make the grade at international level.

"It is fantastic news, we just can't believe it really," he said. "As a parent, I'm very proud. If someone had told us six months ago that James would be in the World Cup squad, we would never have believed them. It's the perfect start to the New Year.

Soaring confidence

"I think he's even surprised himself how quickly he's progressed, but his confidence is soaring at the moment and the call-up certainly does not seemed to have fazed him.

"It's very difficult to put a finger on why he has developed so well. I suppose it's a lot to do with being in the right place at the right time, and (Lancashire coach) Mike Watkinson has been a big influence.

"He has expressed his surprise to me about just how far he has come in the last six months.

"But every time he has been given a test he's taken it in his stride, and that's the sign of a talented player.

"It's a very good time for him to be coming into the England squad, with a lot of the players getting towards the end of their careers. Hopefully he'll be able to step up and make the grade."